Salem is once again at the epicenter of daytime drama as Days of Our Lives delivers a shocking twist that has fans buzzing: Cherie Jimenez, who stepped into the iconic role of Gabby Hernandez,

is leaving the show, while Camila Banus is making a triumphant return as the fan-favorite character. This dual shake-up is set to send shockwaves through the Diara family saga, stir old rivalries, and redefine one of Salem’s most beloved heroines.

A New Chapter for Gabby Hernandez

Gabby Hernandez has long been a central figure in Salem, navigating heartbreak, scheming, and high-stakes drama with the fiery passion that has captivated viewers for over a decade. Originally portrayed by Camila Banus from 2010 to 2023, Gabby evolved from a sweet, innocent young woman to a complex, multi-layered character capable of love, vengeance, and calculated intrigue. Banus’ performance earned her critical acclaim, including a daytime Emmy nomination, cementing Gabby as a cornerstone of Days of Our Lives.

When Cherie Jimenez took over the role in 2024, stepping into Banus’ shoes was no small feat. Jimenez brought a fresh energy and a nuanced vulnerability to Gabby, balancing her fiery temperament with moments of introspection and emotional depth. Fans were initially divided, with many comparing her portrayal to Banus’, but over time, Jimenez carved out her own interpretation of the character, blending scheming brilliance with relatable humanity.

Cherie Jimenez’s Journey to Gabby

The path that led Jimenez to Salem is a story of perseverance and resilience. Born on June 23, 1987, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she grew up navigating a world of cultural richness and adversity. Her diverse heritage, spanning Sicilian, Italian, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Spanish, and Native American roots, helped shape her dynamic acting style. Facing challenges including periods of homelessness, Jimenez began modeling and acting at the age of 8, quickly demonstrating a talent that would propel her career.

By 22, Jimenez had her sights set on Days of Our Lives. She auditioned for the newly created role of Gabby Hernandez in 2009, pouring her heart into the process. Though the role ultimately went to Banus, Jimenez never gave up on her dream. Over the next 15 years, she built a diverse career across television and film, appearing in series such as Pretty Little Liars, NCIS, The Newsroom, and Banshee, as well as starring in Lifetime projects like Angie, Lost Girls, and Maya.

When the opportunity to audition for Gabby resurfaced in 2023, Jimenez embraced it with the maturity and experience she had gained over the years. Her eventual casting in 2024 was a full-circle moment, marking the culmination of a 15-year journey and a dream finally realized.

Stepping Into Gabby’s Shoes

Debuting on June 27, 2024, Jimenez inherited a character with a storied legacy. Gabby’s narrative had seen the tragic loss of her sister Ariana, entanglements with Stefan Dera and Chad Dera, and a fierce rivalry with EJ Dera. Jimenez had to navigate these layered relationships while honoring Banus’ previous portrayal.

With her first scenes, Jimenez demonstrated the skill and emotional intelligence required to make Gabby her own. Her chemistry with co-star Brandon Barash (Stefan Dera) was electric, rekindling the intensity and drama that fans expect from Gabby’s storylines. At the same time, Jimenez introduced a subtle vulnerability, particularly in moments of betrayal and redemption, giving viewers a fresh perspective on the beloved character.

Fan Frenzy and Backlash

Jimenez’s arrival was not without controversy. Soap opera fans are fiercely loyal, and Banus’ long tenure had created a deep bond between viewers and the character. Social media and fan forums saw a surge of criticism, with some expressing longing for Banus and others scrutinizing Jimenez’s interpretation of Gabby’s fiery personality.

“I cried a bunch in the beginning,” Jimenez admitted. “The fan base was basically bullying me. People miss Camila, and even though I tried to bring elements of her to the role, I was getting ripped apart in so many different ways.”

Despite the backlash, Jimenez leaned on support from her co-stars and family, eventually winning over many skeptics. By June 2025, her one-year anniversary as Gabby was celebrated with enthusiasm from fans and co-stars alike, cementing her place in Salem.

The Xander and Philip Plotline

One of the most tantalizing developments during Jimenez’s tenure was Gabby’s involvement in a secret surrounding Xander Cook and Philip Kuryaki. While details remain tightly under wraps, the storyline showcased Gabby’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and scheming prowess. Fans speculated that she might leverage this secret to influence power dynamics in Salem, highlighting her as both a protagonist and a force to be reckoned with in the Diara family saga.

Jimenez teased that Gabby’s journey would explore themes of betrayal, redemption, and personal growth, promising unexpected twists and high-stakes drama. Her portrayal of Gabby as both cunning and introspective added layers to the character, maintaining her relevance and impact on Salem’s ever-shifting landscape.

Banus Returns: A Game-Changer

In a dramatic turn, it was announced that Camila Banus would be returning as Gabby Hernandez. Banus’ return marks the end of Jimenez’s tenure, but it also promises to reignite fan excitement and nostalgia. Banus’ portrayal brought a fiery intensity and deep emotional resonance that resonated with viewers, and her comeback sets the stage for fresh storylines, renewed rivalries, and complex romantic entanglements.

Banus’ return is expected to have a ripple effect across Salem, impacting Stefan, EJ, Chad, and other key players. Fans are speculating about how the transition will occur on-screen, whether it will involve a dramatic plot twist, a reconciliation, or a high-stakes conflict. The dynamic between Banus’ Gabby and Jimenez’s portrayal will likely fuel discussions and debates among viewers, adding a meta-layer of intrigue to the soap opera experience.

Comparing Two Gabby Eras

The question on fans’ minds is inevitable: who is the definitive Gabby Hernandez? Banus’ era was defined by raw emotion, fiery determination, and a strong connection to Salem’s legacy. Jimenez, in contrast, brought a calculated edge, vulnerability, and nuanced intensity that modernized the character for a new generation. Both interpretations have left indelible marks on the show, highlighting the character’s complexity and adaptability.

The Future of Gabby in Salem

With Banus’ return, Gabby Hernandez is poised for a new era of drama, romance, and power struggles. Whether it’s grappling with old secrets, navigating the machinations of the Diara family, or rekindling relationships, Gabby remains at the heart of Salem’s storylines. Her interactions with Xander, Philip, Stefan, and EJ promise to shape the town’s narrative in profound ways, ensuring that fans will be glued to their screens.

Conclusion: Legacy and Reinvention

The saga of Gabby Hernandez illustrates the enduring power of Days of Our Lives: its ability to blend legacy with reinvention, fan devotion with dynamic storytelling. Cherie Jimenez’s time as Gabby was marked by perseverance, creativity, and emotional depth, and while her exit is bittersweet, it underscores the cyclical nature of soap opera storytelling.

Camila Banus’ return brings excitement, nostalgia, and a promise of more high-stakes drama. For fans, it is a chance to reconnect with a beloved character, witness new twists, and celebrate the enduring appeal of Salem’s most iconic personalities.

Whether you favored Jimenez’s fresh take or eagerly await Banus’ fiery return, one thing is certain: Gabby Hernandez remains a force in Salem, and her story is far from over. The drama, intrigue, and passion that define her character will continue to captivate audiences, proving once again why Days of Our Lives remains a daytime television powerhouse.